One of Carlo Ancelotti’s most famous phrases during his second spell in charge at Real Madrid was that he liked his defenders to be pessimistic. In the opening games in La Liga, Los Blancos have been generating plenty of reasons for optimism under Xabi Alonso.

For while the Italian has a reputation for giving his players freedom in the final third, and fitting together star-studded forwards, his rhetoric was often based around defensive solidity. In October 2022, just months after returning to Real Madrid, Ancelotti highlighted that ‘the most important thing we need to do to have success is keep clean sheets.’ While the defensive system broke down last season, Alonso has restored it in the early going.

The proof, in this case, is in the numbers. Real Madrid have been pressing more intensely, and higher up the pitch, an issue that plagued Los Blancos in recent years. So far it has been successful, with just one goal conceded from their three games, and that being a header. Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, so often required to be the saviour in recent years, has made just five saves through those three games.

As highlighted by La Pausa, Los Blancos have considered just one big chance through three games, compared to the 12 of Barcelona, the least in La Liga. Diario AS note that Courtois has been asked to contribute 44% less han last season, evidence of the defensive improvement. It is worth bearing in mind that Real Madrid conceded an average of a goal per game last season.

Alonso’s side have for the most part tried to win the ball back immediately after losing it, although in second halfs, they have been forced to loosen their grip on the ball due to fatigue, perhaps a result of their short preseason. In September, Los Blancos will be put to the test more.